How did Esther Duflo's methods change development economics?
Our experimental approach, particularly the use of RCTs, has brought a new level of scientific rigor to development economics. Previously, many policies were implemented based on assumptions or intuition. By systematically testing interventions – from providing textbooks to offering small financial incentives – we can gather robust data on what actually works. This has shifted the field towards evidence-based policymaking, allowing us to allocate resources more efficiently and design interventions that have a demonstrable positive impact on people's lives. The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a key platform for this work.
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